RED WING SHOE COMPANY TO INCREASE STORE COUNT

Company plans to open 125 independently owned Red Wing Shoe Stores over the next five years

Red Wing, Minn. (DECEMBER 28, 2010) – Red Wing Shoe Company today announced plans to expand its Red Wing Shoe Store network by more than 20 percent over the next five years. The goal is to expand independent ownership of Red Wing Shoe Stores in key growth markets and bring the Red Wing Shoe Store experience and purpose-built footwear to modern workers across the country. There are currently more than 425 Red Wing Shoe Stores in the United States, with close to 70 percent of those stores being independently owned and operated.

The influx of big-box retailers has adversely affected independent shoe stores across the country, driving customer demand for the Red Wing Shoe Store "sit-and-fit” experience, combined with knowledgeable sales associates and a large selection of purpose-built work footwear. Historically, the most successful Red Wing Shoe Stores have been those where a local owner is present and involved on a daily basis.

"With more than 60 years of retailing experience, we remain committed to being the premier retail destination for work footwear,” said David Murphy, president and COO of Red Wing Shoe Company. "Our customers expect specialized solutions to their work footwear needs and deserve the convenience and customer service found at Red Wing Shoe Stores.”

"Our Red Wing Shoe Store owners are the most important advocates and representatives of the Red Wing brand,” said Murphy. "We are a global brand built on local relationships – these principles will continue to be the core of our business.”

Red Wing Shoe Stores are generally located in larger metropolitan areas with a population base of approximately 100,000 or more people. These more populated areas provide a strong customer base of workers needing purpose-built footwear and, in return, help provide a strong customer base for independent store owners. Individuals interested in owning a Red Wing Shoe Store should visit www.redwingshoes.com/shoe-store-opportunity

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About Red Wing Shoe Company Based in Red Wing, Minn., the Red Wing Shoe Company is a leading manufacturer of premium work and outdoor footwear. Since 1905, Red Wing Shoe Company has offered a unique blend of quality and performance. Product lines range from traditional work boots that have been the staple of skilled workers for the past century to outdoor footwear. Brands include Red Wing, WORX, Vasque, Irish Setter and Carhartt. For more information about Red Wing Shoe Company, visit www.redwingshoes.com or www.redwingsafety.com, or call 1-800-RED-WING.